[Max Well]

Originally Posted by Tim@codemybimmer

Do note that apparently there are rumors that the G97 X3M will be dropped in favour of a full EV iX3M instead, much like how there is no further development on the X4 and X4M. Both noted here - ... and with a comment on the technical workshop video as well here - ...

We can only hope that they'll still offer a G97 X3M but seems it might be drying up.

That would be a depressing scenario for F97 Petrolheads, to say the least…

Not sure how much stock to place in the BMW Blog offhand remark about ‘rumors’ of its demise, esp when we have ynguldyn indicating there will still be G97 (tagging just to keep him in the loop as he is the only reliable 'future model' source we have here ). I re-watched the technology workshop with Nicolai Martin and Alexander Karajlovic and, unless I’m missing the obvious, I don’t see where they comment at all on the F97-G97 variant?

These presentations will understandably be all about the G45’s impending release (as they should be), and since it seems likely the G97 is still a good two years away (see my reasoning in post 28 - https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...4&postcount=28 ), there’s no reason for BMW to be clouding the G45 reveal with other model info. IMHO, that is.

The X3MC is arguably the Performance Leader of this size SUV/SAV segment, and with such a remarkable engine in the S58, it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to take the G45 M50 all the way to full M greatness with the G97, and I just don’t see them throwing in the towel on such potential by taking the huge risk in offering only an EV iX3M version.

As BMW always holds everything so close to their vest I could be completely wrong, though. And if so, we’ll keep both of our F97s for years to come as we have zero interest in an EV variant.

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

I sure hope BMW doesn't kill off the G97. With them not bringing the G81 to the US, they can't stop all our fun. With the S58 still being produced until 2028 or 2029, there should be a few good years left with one of the best ICE power plants ever produced - in many flavors of good new chassis.

Agreed!

[M4Lou]

Originally Posted by Max Well

While waiting for reliable info directly from M related to the G97, made a few other rough changes to the X3MC camo - forged wheels, lowered the front lip and side skirts. Would be helpful if Marketing could at least push for release of the SOP-EOP so F97 Enthusiasts can plan their ownership of this series...

No way the real car will have that stance - it'll be un another 1-1.5".

[knali8]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Thanks for sharing, knali8 - looks very promising for the G97. If they've done this much work on the M-Performance line can't see those efforts not being raised to an even higher performance and handling standard in the X3MC. This G45 M50 definitely looks tighter in handling c/w current G01 X3M40i as they comment in the video. Suspect that's what threw me off when I wrote the following back in Oct (post #11)! Also, glad to see them filming the M50 without a pano!

Yeah my initial thoughts is that they are trying to bring the M50 closer to the x3m performance wise but make the car more comfortable.

[knali8]

Originally Posted by Tim@codemybimmer

Do note that apparently there are rumors that the G97 X3M will be dropped in favour of a full EV iX3M instead, much like how there is no further development on the X4 and X4M.

Both noted here - https://www.bmwblog.com/2024/04/17/2...45-debut-june/ and with a comment on the technical workshop video as well here -

We can only hope that they'll still offer a G97 X3M, but seems it might be drying up.

I really hope these are just rumours.. but again they didn't make any mention of a X3M! They did state however that the M50i felt like it had more power, so possibly battery + revised B58 - 450hp - 500hp?

If the above is right, then the X3M/IX3 M would be about 600hp..

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by knali8

I really hope these are just rumours.. but again they didn't make any mention of a X3M! They did state however that the M50i felt like it had more power, so possibly battery + revised B58 - 450hp - 500hp?

If the above is right, then the X3M/IX3 M would be about 600hp..

are you somehow suggesting that a non V8 non M car would have the same power an M3? there is no way an M50i gets more than 400 hp and that would be stretching already

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Not sure how much stock to place in the BMW Blog offhand remark about ‘rumors’ of its demise, esp when we have ynguldyn indicating there will still be G97 (tagging just to keep him in the loop as he is the only reliable 'future model' source we have here ).

If you trust me, you should also trust Horatiu.

Won't be the first chassis code that never becomes a product.

[Dinan_Rated]

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

Looking forward to the next gen X3 M. Maybe this time we'll get carbon-ceramic brakes or make a CF roof. One can only hope. Right?

I'm ready to trade mine in with the same expectations you have, if not i might have to go back to the M8

[thestimp]

I heard a rumor the X'M's are done and the m50, m60 variants are next. and a new model of the XM at a better price bracket. But who knows, they just announced they have 50 new models coming in the next 5 years.....

[Max Well]

Condensing a discussion of the next gen X3M from the G45 thread, '2025 BMW X3 (G45) Prototype First Drive Reviews -- Articles & Videos', https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2097256 .

Note that hb appears to be Horatiu Boeriu of BMW Blog, mentioned by ynguldyn earlier.

Originally Posted by jfio1021

Is it true they are not going to be making the x3m anymore going forward with this new generation?

Originally Posted by hb

That's what I heard a while back. The focus is an EV X3M (ZA5).

Originally Posted by Xtabi

ynguldyn 's post on this thread indicates there will be an X3M.
https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=30977923
It also contradicts the statement made in the video where it was indicated idrive will be version 9. ynguldyn states idrive 8.

Originally Posted by hb

I'm aware of what he says and as he said in the past, his sources are data from what he said in a post, ours are ...different.
It is definitely OS9. But we shouldn't get stuck on 8.5 vs 9. From a UI/UX perspective, they are nearly identical. It's the base code that's different and it's the one for the future.

[edcvin]

Production numbers on X3M's might give us a better indication. If the X3M sales numbers did not meet their expectations, it may make sense in their eyes to kill production.

The X3M seems like a niche vehicle compared to the X3M40 which seems more practical and the better selling unit for the company.

I love the X3M because it is the M3 of their SUV's and it is just perfect in my eyes. However, I am not sure that the overall market truly bought into that. People honestly do not know how good this vehicle is until they actually drive it...

Could be completely wrong about this...but I guess time will tell.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by edcvin

... I love the X3M because it is the M3 of their SUV's and it is just perfect in my eyes. ... People honestly do not know how good this vehicle is until they actually drive it...

Agree with the above, edcvin, and thanks for sharing your thoughts.

We're going to have to see how this all plays out, but at least we have a few more years of F97 production to sort through the options (I hope). If, what hb suggests becomes reality - that of an EV-only new X3MC version, suspect we'll purchase the last vestiges of this amazing ICE version in the next few years and hold on to them.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Originally Posted by edcvin

Production numbers on X3M's might give us a better indication. If the X3M sales numbers did not meet their expectations, it may make sense in their eyes to kill production.

The X3M seems like a niche vehicle compared to the X3M40 which seems more practical and the better selling unit for the company.

I love the X3M because it is the M3 of their SUV's and it is just perfect in my eyes. However, I am not sure that the overall market truly bought into that. People honestly do not know how good this vehicle is until they actually drive it...

Could be completely wrong about this...but I guess time will tell.

I couldn't have said this any better & fully agree. I'm confident that a great deal of potential buyers think... wow, an S58 SUV sure sounds like fun. But I bet that thing isn't dynamic & doesn't have much agility. And that's where they're dead wrong. Test drive a new one or a well take car of wrong & let your jaw drop.

Originally Posted by Max Well

Agree with the above, edcvin, and thanks for sharing your thoughts.

We're going to have to see how this all plays out, but at least we have a few more years of F97 production to sort through the options (I hope). If, what hb suggests becomes reality - that of an EV-only new X3MC version, suspect we'll purchase the last vestiges of this amazing ICE version in the next few years and hold on to them.

I will be doing the same thing. If the next X3 M is purely an AWD EV, I can easily see myself passing on that & getting a 2nd X3 MC. One of the EOP X3 MC units off the showroom floor before a cult following decides it's a great buy 10 years later.

[ND40oz]

Well this makes me realize I made the correct decision in getting an F97 in the last model year of its availability.

If the replacement ends up being a full EV, it better be a quad motor monster that keeps the weight in the same ballpark as the current F97 and actually drops in price to be on par with the current performance EVs. There's a reason why they currently need to have a 9.9k loyalty credit on the iX.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by ND40oz

Well this makes me realize I made the correct decision in getting an F97 in the last model year of its availability.

If the replacement ends up being a full EV, it better be a quad motor monster that keeps the weight in the same ballpark as the current F97 and actually drops in price to be on par with the current performance EVs. There's a reason why they currently need to have a 9.9k loyalty credit on the iX.

I don’t see EV models meeting those weight and price points any time soon...

For our needs, current EVs bring too many issues to the table - inadequate infrastructure, vehicle weight, charging times, range, cost, resale value and less route flexibility on trips due to charging station locations/availability. While solid-state batteries (SSBs) will undoubtedly bring future improvements to some of those parameters c/w current EV systems, it seems a stretch to envision near-term equality to their ICE counterparts on many of those issues.

While we’ve made strides in reducing our carbon footprint personally (energy efficient home with significant reduction in utility costs, all electric lawn and landscaping tools and recycling as just some examples), the F97 X3MC remains the one indulgence I can’t see giving up during these ‘early’ years of EV tech. It has significantly improved the driving experience for us – to the point where it’s no longer about just getting from point A to point B, it’s the enjoyment we obtain simply driving there.

[Max Well]

Keeping up hope for an ICE G97 X3MC to build on the F97's great foundation...

[knali8]

2025 X3M is a maybe. See link below @ 24.00mins

Unrealistic for manufacturers

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by knali8

2025 X3M is a maybe. See link below @ 24.00mins

Unrealistic for manufacturers

Thanks for sharing, knali8. I finally finished a lengthy project looking at 2023-24 BMW combined fuel economy and the driving forces behind production choices, which I just posted - 'Fuel Economy Regulations and BMW’s Melting ICE Fleet' at https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2112814.

Will be interesting to see how it all pans out.

[gonz-photog]

Looks like I will have to upgrade size and go for the X5M Competition because if BMW is going to start moving more to electric better get it while you can.

[americanaaaa]

IMO, BMW has dropped some serious clues that the G97 will not materialize…


The release of the G45 M50 looks like imo, the death of G97.

The clues: as far as I know and remember, only range toppers for full M variants receive dual exhausts….

The X2 range topper is not a full M variant either but has dual exhausts….

Also why would BMW, with the release of the G45 change the designation of the M40i to M50? There are only minor differences engine wise???

Bummed

[Diskz]

Originally Posted by americanaaaa

IMO, BMW has dropped some serious clues that the G97 will not materialize…


The release of the G45 M50 looks like imo, the death of G97.

The clues: as far as I know and remember, only range toppers for full M variants receive dual exhausts….

The X2 range topper is not a full M variant either but has dual exhausts….

Also why would BMW, with the release of the G45 change the designation of the M40i to M50? There are only minor differences engine wise???

Bummed

They seem to be following the trend of MB of increasing the designation. They have already done the same with the X5/X7 M50 -> M60 so I expect the rest of the lineup to follow suit.

[americanaaaa]

Originally Posted by Diskz

They seem to be following the trend of MB of increasing the designation. They have already done the same with the X5/X7 M50 -> M60 so I expect the rest of the lineup to follow suit.

The next clue is that the next M3 will be all electric, coming likely in 2026. So the S58 will be gone and the next X3M, if built will be all electric as well.

[Max Well]

Now into July and still no formal word from M as to what they're planning on doing with the X3MC series? Seems unlikely the iX3M would be ready for its reveal in August if they're dropping the ICE versions, and no info yet on nixing the G97, so we remain in limbo...

To pass the time, here's a rough idea how the G97 might (or could've?) appeared.